BCCI denies reports of Asia Cup exit; secretary Devajit Saikia says, ‘prime focus is on IPL 2025, India's England tour’

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rubbished reports of withdrawal from the Asia Cup later this year in the aftermath of the recent India-Pakistan tensions. On Monday, an Indian Express report stated that the BCCI has decided to stay away from all the Asia Cricket Council (ACC) events.

The report also stated that the BCCI has written to the ACC about its decision to withdraw from the men's Asia Cup in September and the women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, which Sri Lanka will host in June. After Jay Shah's resignation, the ACC is currently headed by Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Reacting to the reports of BCCI's withdrawal from ACC events, secretary Devajit Saikia denied all reports. “Since this morning, it has come to our notice about some news reports that the BCCI has decided not to participate in the Asia Cup and the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both of which are ACC events. Such news are devoid of any truth as till now,” Saikia told ANI.

“BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the ensuing ACC events, let alone writing anything to the ACC. At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and subsequent England series, both men's and women's,” he added.

Defending champions and the most successful team in the tournament, India are scheduled to host the tournament in this year. Besides host India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Oman and United Arab Emirates are the qualified teams.

Even if India goes on to host the Asia Cup, Pakistan won't be travelling to India. Instead, Pakistan's matches will be played at a neutral venue, including the one with India. The Asia Cup 2025 is expected to be played in T20 format.

What happened in last Asia Cup ?

In the previous edition of Asia Cup which Pakistan hosted, India refused to travel across the border. As a result, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has no other option but to host the tournament in hybrid format with Sri Lanka hosting nine games including the final.

Pakistan hosted the first four games. The same format was applied earlier this year when Pakistan hosted the ICC Champions Trophy. India played all their matches in Dubai, including the final against New Zealand, which the Men in Blue won after 12 years.